Boost for Labor after week of chaos

THE Gillard government has enjoyed a boost in support despite the chaos of last week, but it would still be trounced should an election be held today.

The latest Herald/Nielsen poll finds Labor's primary vote has jumped 3 percentage points in a month to 30 per cent, a small increase but psychologically significant because it is the first time since May Labor's first preference vote has been in the 30s.

The Coalition's primary vote was steady at 48 per cent, giving it a two-party-preferred lead over Labor of 57 per cent to 43 per cent.

The poll also shows Kevin Rudd remains twice as popular as preferred Labor leader compared with either Ms Gillard or the only other likely contender, Stephen Smith.

Mr Smith, who is being touted by the Right to run for the leadership against Mr Rudd should Ms Gillard's reign become untenable, is almost as popular as Ms Gillard.

But Mr Rudd's clear lead makes him the people's favourite, bolstering his case should Labor decide to change.